More women are in work than at any time since records began in 1971, at just
over 14 million, figures say

More women are in work than at any time since records began in 1971, at 67.2 per cent or just over 14 million, data from the Office for National Statistics showed.

Unemployment has continued to fall but the rate of decline is starting to slow, economists said. |

The jobless total was 2.34 million in the final quarter of last year, down by 125,000, giving a rate of 7.2 per cent - up from 7.1 per cent the previous month.

The Bank of England has said it will not raise interest rates until unemployment falls below 7 per cent.

“The main conclusion that should be drawn from these latest figures is that the rate at which unemployment has been falling is likely to have slowed down,” said Nick Palmer, senior labour market statistician at the ONS.

The number of people claiming jobseeker's allowance dipped to 1.22 million in January, down by 27,000 - the 15th consecutive monthly fall.

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Danny Alexander, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said: "Quarter by quarter, job by job, we are rebuilding Britain's economy. Every job created is a family helped and a boost to our economic growth.

"This, combined with the encouraging news on inflation earlier this week, is further convincing evidence that our long-term economic plan is working.”

Pay rose by 1.1 per cent compared to last year, the ONS said, while the latest inflation figures were 1.9 per cent. It means wages are still lagging behind prices.

TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "These are encouraging figures for the millions of people desperate for work. It is good news that unemployment levels continue to fall, and that young people are finally beginning to share in the improving jobs market.

"But people already in work have less to cheer about, with prices still rising twice as fast as wages. While we have a record proportion of women in employment, the widening gender pay gap means many women are not getting the fair pay they deserve."

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